FAQs

Do you need a referral?

No - a referral from a doctor or health professional is not required however it is beneficial to discuss your feeding concerns with your child's GP or Paediatrician. All assessments will have a summary letter written to your managing doctor - We encourage you to work with your doctor to ensure a holistic focus on your child's feeding difficulties.

If you are an NDIS participant then you will need to double check that your child has enough funding for an assessment otherwise you will need to pay for this appointment yourself. Thank you for understanding.

What days do you work?

Val works the following days (as of term 1, 2019)

Monday: 9:30am - 12:30pm (admin only)

Tuesday: 8am - 4:30pm (clinic appointments)

Wednesday 8:am - 4:30pm (clinic appointments)

Thursday 9:30-3pm (home visit and school visit appointments)

Please contact the clinic on 4940 6515 if you have any questions or email val: valerie.gent@letseatspeech.com.au

Please note emails and phone calls will not be answered by Val on Fridays (or the weekends).

It's 2 mins away from the Waratah Shops (Kmart 24 hours). When you are driving on Christo road, lookout for the "newcastle dermatology" blue sign, it's pretty big. Our building is next to it (near Jackgem Automotives). There is a parking block in front of these buildings where you can park. After you park, look out for my Let's Eat kangaroo sign or the Ability Focus Occupational therapy or Kerrie Baker Clinical Psychologist sign (it's bigger).

Who is the Speech Pathologist in charge?

Me! My name is Valerie Gent and I am a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist and also the owner of Let's Eat! Paediatric Speech Pathology. I have worked in paediatric feeding for 15 years and am absolutely passionate my job! I love what I do.

What areas of Speech Pathology do you cover?

- Paediatric Feeding - anything related to sucking, chewing, swallowing and general feeding difficulties in babies, children and teenagers.

Can we get any rebates for appointments?

If you have private health cover, it may be useful to contact them to check if you receive any rebates for your Speech Pathology appointments. Let's Eat! Paediatric Speech Pathology is registered with Medicare, National Disability Insurance Agency, Better Start and all private health funds.

You can also claim rebates/subsidised sessions through government initiates such as :

* Medicare ('epc/care plans')

Children with chronic or complex medical conditions may be eligible for a rebate (currently $52.95 per session) for 5 allied health sessions per calendar year. You GP may need to fill in a 'Chronic Disease Management Plan' - this needs to be done prior to your first assessment with us.

Children with Autism or any other pervasive developmental disorder aged under 13 may be eligible for a rebate (up to the value of $70) for 4 allied health assessment sessions and up to 20 allied health treatment sessions in total per child. You may need a referral letter from a Psychiatrist or Paediatrician.

Children with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Fragile X syndrome or hearing and vision impairments may be eligible for a rebate (to to the value of $70) for 4 allied health assessment sessions and up to 20 allied health treatment sessions in total per child. You may need a referral from a specialist, Paediatrician or GP.

Children under 6 years of age with certain diagnoses, may now be eligible for up to $12 000 in funding for early intervention services and treatments. Additional assistance is also available for children who live in outer-regional, rural or remote locations to help with accessing services. There is a list of diagnoses that are eligible to receive support under Better Start on their website. These include:

Newcastle is one of the 3 pilot projects for Disability Care Australia/NDIA and if you are eligible for their service then you will be able to get your Speech Pathology sessions funded if feeding skills are one of the goals for your child. Please see the "appointment fees" for details on what you need to discuss with your planner BEFORE your appointment with me.

Contact National Insurance Disability Agency directly or see this link from their website